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Yom Kippur Blessings: For Starting Observance of the Day
On Yom Kippur, we share a holiday meal called seudat mafseket, the concluding meal before the fast begins. We begin the meal with haMotzi, the blessing over the challah
Mi Shebeirach - Prayer for Healing
These comforting words can be said on behalf of those who are ill. Whether friends or loved ones are struggling with physical, emotional or spiritual challenges, this prayer speaks to our desire for their healing.
How Yoga's Wisdom Can Help Us Prepare for Elul
I often hear my yoga teachers' words when I embark on a new project or endeavor. Today, as we get ready to usher in the month of Elul, the preparatory month for the High Holidays, I keep thinking to myself: What is my intention?
T'shuvah: Returning to Our Truest Selves at the High Holidays
The central theme of the High Holiday season is t’shuvah (turn, response), an expression of hope that the way we are today need not be who we remain tomorrow.
7 Things to Know About Selichot
S’lichot, penitential prayers said before the High Holidays, offer us opportunities for personal reflection and to seek forgiveness from those we wronged during the year.
Taking a Hard Look at Our Relationships
The individual relationships we share are the backbone of creating a kehillah kedosha—a sacred community.
This Elul, Do You Know Your Priorities in Life?
The Hebrew month of Elul begins soon. During this month preceding the High Holidays, many Jews take time to reflect on the past year and to take stock of their actions.
Prayer for Victims of Fire
As we gather this Shabbat, each in our own communities, we are united by the grief and anguish we feel over the destruction of homes and lives by fire this week.
Shabbat Blessings: Upon Lighting the Candles
The candles are lit before the blessing is recited.
Shabbat and Holiday Blessings: Blessing over Children
It is traditional to bless children each Shabbat and on every holiday. The Priestly Blessing, or Birkat Kohanim, comes from the Book of Numbers in Torah and, as a three-fold blessing, asks for the recipient or community to be blessed with grace, blessing and peace.